The JET program sounds like an institute with scientists that shoot monkeys into the air on airplanes; it’s not, but it’s not far from the truth.
The program is a holdover from the 1980’s that flies people to Japan to teach the person’s language. No Japanese knowledge is required. The pay for the year of service is about 3.6 million yen ($30,424.63 US)
I’ll be graduating next year, having paid for college by working my way though it (no debt) and want to travel to learn about the perspective outside the US. Europe seems expensive to the cost conscious. South or Central America could be dangerous to a
nortamericano , despite knowing a moderate amount of Spanish.
Thus, I’m looking at JET. Paid to travel and imbed. Insurance. The Challenge of language that I never had any inclination of learning. Teaching which I enjoy. Looks good. But…
My friend tells me that his contacts say that Japan is expensive as hell and that Japanese is hard as hell.
How expensive is it to live in Japan? I’d look to live in a mid-sized city, rather than the countryside or Tokyo.
Work would be 35 hours a week. At that rate, (and my crumby math) $16 – 18 dollars an hour (a pay cut as a waiter currently).
The official sites say that it's plenty and that people pay off student loans, but it may just be spin and people are living like paupers.
When did you visit or live in Japan? How expensive was it? If you were a JET, tell me about it.
Did you travel after college? How did it affect your life and your perspective on things? What did you learn?
Quote:
From a FAQ
"Are JETs covered by any insurance policies?
All JETs are required to enroll in the national health and pension insurance system, as well as the national employment insurance system. The contracting institution subsidizes the monthly premium for this insurance, with the JET participant portion amounting to approximately ¥42,000 ($354) per month in total . Further, all JETs are automatically enrolled in the JET Programme Accident Insurance system, but premiums are paid entirely by the contracting organization. "
How good is the health insurance coverage?
Quite good. The national health insurance system covers 80% of medical expenses of illness, including some dental coverage. The remaining 20% – less a ¥5,000 deductible – is covered by the JET Programme Accident Insurance policy. (By and large, coverage is comparable to most insurance policies in the United States. Some restrictions do apply, so please contact your nearest Consulate General of Japan or the Embassy of Japan for details of coverage.)
Q. How expensive is housing in Japan?
Most JETs pay between ¥20,000 and ¥60,000 per month (click here for exchange rate calculator). In the worst-case scenario, you might have to pay up to 6 months rent in advance. (This does not happen often.) On the other hand, many JETs live in very inexpensive subsidized housing. Fortunately, your remuneration is quite sufficient to cover whatever your housing costs might be.
Q. What is the quality of housing for JETs?
The quality of housing for JETs varies widely. You may live in a small apartment or you may live in a house. Most JETs live in an apartment building with two or so rooms and a kitchen. Some are new and completely furnished, while others come completely unfurnished (bare bulbs and all). Most fall somewhere in between. Generally speaking, rural JETs live in larger places than do urban JETs.
Q. How many days off will I get on the JET Program?
All JETs are allowed a minimum of 10 days paid leave. However, most JETs have been allowed from 12-20 days; JETs also get about 15 national holidays. Many JETs use this time to travel around Japan or East Asia, or to visit their home country. (JETs should, of course, arrange in advance with their contracting institution before taking days off.) "
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Old Posts from the archive for those who want to dig a little deeper.
Living in Japan
Teach in Japan
Work & Live in Japan
Be wary of posting on many Gaijin-in-Japan forums. They enjoy being cranky, pompous, & yield little real info. Thus, the post here.